AUSA donations still pouring in Posted On: Thursday, Nov. 26 2009 05:44 AM By Hailey Persinger
Killeen Daily Herald

Though the Association of the United States Army has already begun distributing portions of the money it's raised since the Nov. 5 shooting at Fort Hood, the organization is now looking to help future generations affected by the tragedy.

Three weeks after the shooting that killed 13, AUSA has already raised more than $250,000, a number that Ralph Gauer, state president of the organization, said continues to climb as donations pour in.

The challenge now, said Ron Taylor, Killeen Fort Hood AUSA chapter president, is finding a specific way to use those funds.

"We are still working how it will benefit them," he said. "It is going to be a needs-based type of deal such as lodging, transportation and food."

The organization has formed a committee to determine exactly how it will meet those needs. Emotional counseling and scholarships for children of the victims and wounded are a priority, Gauer said.

"Our biggest concern now is going to be the secondary experiences that we'll go through," he said.

"Behavioral health specialists tell us that the initial shock will pass in a week or two or three and we should expect a very substantial need for care two to three months out."

Though the families of the victims and the wounded are still grieving and will continue to heal, Gauer said extended family members and those indirectly affected will be included in outreach.

AUSA has already heard some stories of extended family that could not afford to travel or stay with their loved ones who had been wounded. For those types of situations, the organization has made hotel and food arrangements.

"There's an experience where Army rules just didn't allow rapid response and we jumped in immediately," he said. "More will pop up … you just don't know."

The organization is also working with U.S. Rep. John Carter, R-Round Rock, and U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, to determine the best way to go about setting aside scholarships for children of the wounded or injured.

By giving to future generations in remembrance of those lost on Nov. 5, Gauer said the organization hopes to help the affected family members and friends continue the healing process for as long as necessary.

"This is not something that will be resolved in months," he said. "This will probably require attention and servicing for years to come."

Contact Hailey Persinger at haileyp@kdhnews.com or (254) 501-7568.